The toughest part of the fantasy season is over and it is now time
for the stretch run. Every player has had their bye week and we are back
to a full slate of 16 games. Players that you have been using as WR3
and flex plays will not be as attractive going forward, because there
will not be four to six teams on bye each week.

That does not mean you should waive those players, because there are
going to be plenty of injury concerns as the wear and tear of the NFL
season is going to injure good players going forward, especially veteran
players that are not able to withstand the physical beating that is NFL
football.

My biggest surprise of the fantasy season thus far has to be Cleveland Browns RB Peyton Hillis. Hillis was a throw in by the Broncos in the trade for QB Brady Quinn
who is currently the third string quarterback in Denver. The Browns
viewed Hillis as a backup fullback to provide depth on the roster.
Hillis is currently the third ranked fantasy running back, on pace for
270 carries, 1,290 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hillis was probably a player
that was available on waivers in Week One. Hillis shows that despite
all the research and statistical analysis that experts use to project
rankings, there are players that nobody sees coming.

Before Houston Texan fans start screaming at me for proclaiming
Hillis the biggest surprise, keep in mind that leading fantasy scorer, Arian Foster, was at least No. 1 on the depth chart in training camp. Hillis was not even expected to start ahead of RB Jerome Harrison (now with the Philadelphia Eagles) or Montario Hardesty.
Foster is the Fantasy Football MVP of the season, on pace for 1,635
yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. I just think Hillis is the slightly
bigger surprise.